A couple of issues back, I reviewed re-releases of these two albums that I said were long overdue for a number of reasons. I also complained about the poor packaging. Well, that’s been taken care of, along with better sound quality.

These releases, sanctioned by the band, restore the packaging and lyric sheets in a nice package. A good listen will also show a very nice clear quality that one-ups the somewhat dull sound of the release this summer by Collector’s Choice Music.

I won’t repeat everything I said then about the music. Suffice it to say, Russell Smith was writing great songs and singing great, and guitarist Barry “Byrd” Burton was everything you’d want in a guitarist. Whether it was a blues, a swing tune, straight country, or a burnin’ rocker, his playing always elevated the song. Put that together with a killer rhythm section, and you’ve got two of the best albums of the ’70s. Highly recommended, but make sure for the complete package to go with the Valley Entertainment releases.